NCSPCA 9/4

This week, the NCSPCA would like to give you some statistics on homeless animals. If you have a dog or cat and you're unsure whether to spay or neuter your pet, there are many good reasons to go ahead and visit your vet!

Here are some interesting facts: Every day, 10,000 humans are born in the US, and 70,000 kittens and puppies are also born. An unspayed female cat, her mate and all of their offspring, producing two litters per year, with 2.8 kittens surviving from each litter, can total over 11,600,000 cats in nine years. In six years, one unspayed dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 dogs. (Source, Spay USA) Many of these animals end up homeless. In fact, only one in five puppies and kittens stay in their natural homes; the remaining four often end up abandoned or in a shelter. (Source, HSUS). Although the NCSPCA is a No-Kill shelter, there are many shelters throughout the country that practice euthanasia, and even No-Kill shelters have to turn away animals if they are already overrun.

If this information seems a bit grim and overwhelming, consider some of the positive results of spaying or neutering your pet: neutered animals tend to get along together better; have fewer male territorial behaviors (such as spraying); are less likely to stray from home; and especially in the case of females, have a lower incidence of cancer. There really is no reason not to spay or neuter when you consider the facts.

Our featured pet this week is Olivia, a gorgeous Maine Coon-mix with a lush, thick coat that you will want to sink your fingers into on a frosty morning. Olivia has a sunny, cheerful personality and, like most Maine Coons, loves the company of people. She enjoys being part of all family activities and will reward you with lots of purrs. Although she suffered quite a bit of adversity prior to arriving at the NCSPCA, her upbeat spirit refuses to be daunted, and she looks forward to the day when she will find her forever home. This charming lady will certainly win over your heart - why not come meet her today?